A Garage Door Opening Slow

Solving the Problem of a Slow Garage Door

You’re rushing out of the house and are stopped by a slow garage door. Is your garage door opening slow? Or are you just in a rush? Well, the answer could be both.

Over time, garage doors can face different problems, and slowing down how quickly it opens is one such issue you may encounter.

The local garage experts at Cheney Door Company don’t just install garage doors, we fix them. We have run across every problem a garage door can have. When a garage door isn’t opening as fast as it once did, there are several possible reasons why.

Is Your Garage Door Actually Slow?

First, let’s deal with the question of whether your garage door is opening too slowly.

The average home overhead door typically opens (or closes) in about 15 seconds, although longer for oversized garage doors. You can use a timer to see how long it takes to open once you hit the garage door opener button.

If your overhead door is opening significantly slower than normal, it’s time to get it fixed. Even if you feel you can live with a slow garage door, you shouldn’t. This likely means some issues need to be addressed. If left ignored, you could find yourself with a bigger problem, perhaps a garage door that doesn’t open at all.

3 Reasons Why a Garage Door is Opening Slowly

#1. YOUR GARAGE DOOR IS OLD

A garage door doesn’t last forever. They can typically be expected to operate well for up to 20 years. Proper maintenance and tune-ups can help your garage door live a full life.

A low-quality garage door or one that wasn’t installed properly might not last as long. Severe weather like strong Kansas storms also plays a role in how long your garage door will last.

If your garage door is opening slow because it’s too old, then the solution is to get it replaced. There may be just one part having an issue, such as the torsion spring. Replacing the bad part may completely fix the problem.

Ensure you hire a professional company trained in garage door installation to ensure you have one properly and safely installed. Cheney Door Company has provided garage door installation and repair services to Kansas for 50 years! Call us today for a free estimate.

#2. GARAGE DOOR OPENER SETTING WAS SWITCHED

On many garage door openers, there is a setting for how quickly it opens and closes. Your setting may be on a low speed. You can check your garage door opener manual for instructions on how to adjust the speed yourself.

Or you can contact Cheney Door Company for quick repair service. We provide maintenance and repairs on any garage door, even if we were not the ones who installed it.

#3. LUBRICATION NEEDED ON GARAGE DOOR PARTS

Many moving parts in your garage door system need to be lubricated to work. Proper lubrication allows for your garage door to open and close smoothly. It is one of the primary elements of a well-maintained garage door.

A homeowner can try to lubricate the rollers, tracks, or hinges themselves, but they should be careful in how they do it and what they use. Be sure to use the right kind of lubricant. WD-40 is not meant for garage doors. It can deteriorate the good grease that is needed for your garage door to operate correctly.

Instead, a garage door needs to be lubricated with a silicone or lithium grease spray. When spraying the hinges (except for plastic hinges), be sure to spray it thoroughly. You do not need to spray the tracks, just clean them of dirt and debris with a damp rag.

For regular maintenance on your garage door, schedule a garage door repair with Cheney Door, and we can provide the necessary tune-ups to get your garage door working well and at the proper speed.

To Repair vs. Replace

If you have an older garage door, you may be better off replacing it with a new garage door. Even after fixing it, an older system may require more repairs over time. Our experienced technicians can determine whether your garage door still has many more good years of operation.

If you need any help repairing your garage door, contact Cheney Door Company. In Wichita, call us at (316) 262-2098.

Having Other Garage Door Problems?

Check out our Garage Door Problems FAQ for more helpful guides on other common problems.

And when in doubt, give Cheney a call!

We provide complete garage door service, including repair and installation on garage door openers.

Call on Cheney to Fix Your Slow Garage Door

If you need a quick repair on your garage door, call upon Cheney Door Company.

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